The one thing that hasn't been mentioned (since it wasn't raised by your questions) is that any new straight razor you buy needs to be really "shave ready" meaning hand-honed by an expert. Dovos from some vendors say shave ready, and, if questioned will say that is as honed from the factory. Such razors are not really shave ready. So use care in buying your first SR that it comes from a vendor that has them honed by someone with skill after they are received from the factory or distributor.